WHAT THE PROS KNOW: GILT & GILD
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What:
Think of gild as the process of applying a thin layer of gold-leaf or gold-colored finish. Gilt is the finished object. You can gild a frame as a DIY to then have a gilt frame.
History:
Humans are attracted to shiny objects and this process began as early as (if not before) the 5th century in Egypt and Greece. You can use a relatively small amount of real gold to cover large area and make it look rich, luxurious, and expensive.
What the Pros Know:
Gilt adds richness and patina to any home. Anything that you can imagine could be covered in gold-leaf or painted gold. Just a touch can be added to furniture, like the chaise above or entire pieces can be gilded. Paint a tissue box gold, spray a light fixture, gild a thrift-store frame. By incorporating a few luxe touches into any room, you'll have instant glam.
- An elaborate gilt mirror is tempered by a modern desk and deconstructed chaise in this Spanish home designed by Andina & Tapia.
- Gilt tables mingle with warm yellows in this home designed by Carrier and Company featured in House Beautiful September 2013.
- Gilt candlesticks help lighten the dark wood desk in this library designed by Studio Peregalli.
- Gilt touches abound in this English home of Will Fisher featured in World of Interiors